Pupils' virtual reality book

Pupils have joined forces with a 360 degree camera firm to publish what's thought to be the first ever virtual reality activity and story book.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Jun 2017, 07:50 BST
Gorebridge Primary Schools Book Publishers group celebrate the launch of whats thought to be the first ever virtual reality activity and story book.Gorebridge Primary Schools Book Publishers group celebrate the launch of whats thought to be the first ever virtual reality activity and story book.
Gorebridge Primary Schools Book Publishers group celebrate the launch of whats thought to be the first ever virtual reality activity and story book.

Gorebridge Primary School’s Book Publishers Group of P3 to P7 pupils launched ‘Ellie’s Adventures’ last Friday at the school’s summer fayre.

The school’s support for learning and principal teacher Susan Tocher enlisted the help and expertise of her husband, Neil Tocher

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The co-founder of NCTech, his involvement helped to bring pupils’ stories to life, taking readers on a virtual reality adventure with ‘Ellie’ as she explores Scottish landmarks, such highlights as the National Mining Museum Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and Vogrie Country Park.

Susan said: “I wanted to change the face of support for learning and was keen to start a book group where children from mixed stages, P3-P7, and mixed ability, could come to a drop-in workshop where we would explore concepts for a book.

“Growing up I always loved summer activity books and adventure books and wanted to explore merging both together.”

Published by Whitewater Publishing, readers use a QR Code app at certain points in the story to tap into a virtual reality world with their smartphone and VR glasses.

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P7 pupil Callum Ross said the project has inspired him to become an illustrator.

He added: “It’s my dream job! I am hopeful it is the beginning of a dream coming into reality.”

Fellow group member Megan Power, of P7, said she thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the group’s ideas and hard work become a reality.

She said: “It was an honour and an opportunity of a lifetime.”

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Neil Tocher from NCTech said: “Early years education is very important and I believe that learning is enhanced with stimulation and engagement. It has therefore been a pleasure to have contributed our sponsorship and technology into possibly the world’s-first VR-enabled children’s story book. We hope its readers find the combination of traditional print blended with the latest Virtual Reality technology a complimentary and immersive experience.

“Bringing the real world places of Ellie’s adventure to the child, to experience for themselves within the safety of their own home.”

Proceeds from sales of the book will go to school funds. The glasses and book will be available to buy on Amazon this week.